Audio

What is a WMA file?

Updated Jul 2026

Definition

WMA (Windows Media Audio) is a compressed audio format Microsoft built as an alternative to MP3. It stores music and voice recordings at a smaller file size using lossy compression, meaning some audio detail is discarded to save space. Windows PCs and older devices handle it natively, but many phones, apps, and non-Windows software either skip it or need a converter first.

WMAWindows Media Audio

Extension: .wma
Type: Audio
Typically: Windows audio
Compression: Lossy

Why WMA exists

Microsoft introduced WMA in the late 1990s as part of Windows Media, aiming to compete with MP3 on file size and, in later versions, to support copy protection for purchased music. It became the default audio format baked into Windows Media Player and showed up widely in ripped CDs, downloaded tracks, and voice memos saved on Windows machines.

Like MP3, WMA throws away audio information a listener is less likely to notice, which is why the files stay small. Where it differs is ecosystem: WMA was built around Windows, so support outside that world has always been inconsistent. Some versions of the format also wrapped in digital rights management, which could lock a file to one PC or account.

Most people run into WMA today because an old music library, a ripped CD collection, or a recording device saved files in that format years ago, and now a phone, a Mac, or a modern app won't play them without converting to MP3 or another common format first.

The trade-offs

Strengths

Smaller file size than uncompressed audio
Plays natively on Windows and many older media players
Was widely used for ripping CDs and voice recordings on PC

Watch-outs

Limited support on iPhones, Macs, and many modern apps
Lossy compression means some audio detail is permanently discarded
Some WMA files carry old copy protection that can block playback or conversion

A note on privacy

A WMA file can carry embedded tags for the track title, artist, album, and sometimes the software or device that created it. Uploading a personal recording or ripped file to an online converter sends that file and its tags to someone else's server. Converting on your own machine keeps the audio and its tags where they started.

Convert a WMA file

Questions

How do I open a WMA file?

Windows Media Player and most Windows software open WMA natively. On a Mac or iPhone you'll usually need to convert it to MP3 or another widely supported format first.

Is WMA better than MP3?

Not really, at least not today. WMA can sound slightly better than MP3 at very low bitrates, but MP3 is supported almost everywhere while WMA compatibility outside Windows is spotty.

Why do my old CD rips or voice recordings save as WMA?

Windows Media Player used WMA as its default format for years, so ripping a CD or recording audio on an older Windows PC often produced WMA files by default.

Can I convert WMA without uploading it?

Yes. A desktop app like Morphjet converts WMA on your own computer, so the audio and its tags never leave your machine.

Why won't some of my WMA files convert or play?

Certain WMA files were saved with copy protection tied to a specific PC or account. If that's the case, no converter can bypass it, since the restriction is part of the file itself.

Morphjet opens and converts WMA and 1,800+ other formats, all on your own computer. Launching this July.